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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 04/29/2003 4933 CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING Port Angeles, Washington April 29, 2003 CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Wiggins called the special meeting of the Port Angeles City Council to order SPECIAL MEETING: at 6:00 p.m. ROLL CALL: Members Present: Mayor Wiggins, Councilmembers Braun, Campbell, Headrick, Rogers, and Williams. Members Absent: Councilmember Erickson. Staff Present: Manager Quinn, Attorney Knutson, Clerk Upton, B. Collins, M. Connelly, G. Cutler, G. Kenworthy, T. Smith, and K. Dubuc. Public Present: B. Moe, T. Price, K. Thompson, C. Crow, D. Yakovich, and T. Lunderville. PLEDGE OF The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was led by Deputy Director of Engineering ALLEGIANCE: Services Kenworthy. Mayor Wiggins referenced a racial complaint just received from Coast Guard Commander Peterson, assuring the Council that the matter will be addressed. Parking Ad Hoc Committee Parking Ad Hoc Committee Recommendations: Economic Development Director Recommendations Smith opened discussion by advising the Council that the comprehensive plan previously submitted to the Council for downtown parking has been shared with the Clallam Transit Board and, through the efforts of the Downtown Association, with downtown businesses and property owners. Providing a summary of what had already been submitted to the Council, Mr. Smith used PowerPoint slides to recognize the members of the Parking Ad Hoc Advisory Committee and to provide a brief history of discussions held on no net loss of parking, as well as the need to increase parking in the downtown area due to economic development. He referenced the draft Ravenhurst report that included conceptual ideas on parking consolidation in a multi-level structure and a recommendation to validate some of the conclusions reached with the stakeholders. Mr. Smith delineated the goals and precepts set by the Parking Ad Hoc Committee, and he reviewed the different types of parking, to include long-term parking associated with ferry service, 2 - 3 hour parking that supports retail businesses, and permit parking for downtown employees. Mr. Smith briefly reviewed the Gateway Project and the combined parking solution for the downtown, stressing the fact that it is realized that no one project would be the solution but, rather, that a combination of all facets of the recommendation would provide a solution. In addition, Mr. Smith indicated that previous discussions acknowledged that the downtown vision could not come to fruition with public funding only; private investment would be a key factor in the success of the undertaking. Mr. Smith touched on the premise of the PBIA, which was created by business owners when they chose to recognize the importance of working with the City to provide parking and business enhancement downtown. -1- 4934 CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING April 29, 2003 ParkingAdHocCommittee Mr. Smith discussed the "brain storming" process incorporated by the Ad Hoc Recommendations(Cont'd) Committee in reaching the recommendations before the Council, and he further discussed the overall proposal as presented earlier. Deputy Director of Engineering Services Kenworthy presented digitally animated pictures of the Gateway Project depicting various views of the project from different locations, after which Mr. Smith discussed the City-owned 28 foot strip of land for which a portion could incorporate additional retail shopping. Mr. Kenworthy then shared with the Council additional drawings of the project. Mr. Smith indicated that, with this proposal, the Ad Hoc Committee has solved the no net loss of parking issue. If the proposal is acted upon as presented, it will help leverage development of the Oak Street property and will build additional parking downtown to help the revitalization of the far west end of the downtown area as well. Mr. Smith then addressed revised cost estimates, which were changed somewhat specific to signals and signage. The original design cost estimate is approximately $7 million, and the solution design is approximately $11.5 million. The funding gap identified is $640,000 for the original design and $1.2 million for the solution design. Mr. Smith indicated that the Ad Hoc Committee did not feel this was an inappropriate mount to be considered for private sector investment. Councilman Campbell felt the Committee has done a tremendous job in solving an extremely difficult problem and has satisfied most of the stakeholders downtown from the standpoint of parking and a number of other points. In terms of economic development, he felt it serves to provide an answer for expansion and enhancement of existing businesses and it allows for the recruitment of new businesses and new investment downtown. Further, Councilman Campbell noted the addition of substantial, new parking, and the compatibility with conference center parking requirements. He felt this is the only version of the project that can be built downtown to meet everyone's needs. Councilmember Rogers agreed, noting the Ad Hoc Committee had taken a comprehensive approach in its efforts. Mayor Wiggins inquired as to the sale of the land and whether this was a firm number in terms of the appraisal. Manager Quinn indicated that $1.5 million is the full property value, but there could be a slight variation because of the 28 feet on the west end of the project. He recalled that a portion of that property was to be used to make the project work. Mayor Wiggins questioned the source of the $390,000 for the Chamber of Commerce building. Manager Quiun indicated that the figure was derived from costs based on square footage, and that there would be an agreement with the Chamber involving lease amounts to pay for the structure. Dan DiGuilio, General Manager of Clallam Transit, approached the podium and informed the Council that Transit operations would be consolidated with the Chamber of Commerce building in order to offset some of those costs with FTA funds. Kevin Thompson, owner of the Family Shoe Store and member of the Downtown Association and PBIA, informed the Council that he has been involved in the parking issue for many years. When first hearing about the Gateway Project as originally designed, he was skeptical as to whether it would meet the needs of the downtown business owners. Now, with the input of the businesses and the efforts of the Parking Ad Hoc Committee, he felt the solution is fabulous. Further, Mr. Thompson expressed the opinion that the funding gap isn't that large, particularly because the Gateway Project should pay for itself. Mr. Thompson noted that meetings have been held with various business owners who are expressing support of the project, as well as a willingness to help provide private sector funding. Mr. Thompson provided further supportive commentaries, noting this is the best plan he has seen. Indicating it has been most rewarding to work with this group of people in reaching a solution, Mr. Smith expressed the hope that the Council would accept the recommenda- -2- CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING 4935 April 29, 2003 Parking Ad Hoc Committee tion. He further recommended that, if accepted, the project should move forward on Recommendations (Cont'd) parallel tracks, with one effort focusing on finalizing bid specifications and the other involving the PADA and PBIA in identifying means by which the funding gap can be filled. Mr. Smith suggested that, by early fall, a decision can be made as to whether to proceed to bid. Mr. Smith expressed confidence that the funding gap will be filled, noting that, according to Arla Holzschuh, over $18 million has been invested in downtown revitalization because of the hard work of many individuals. Mr. Thompson informed the Council that some business owners have expressed concem as to how much additional funding must come from the businesses. He indicated that a 50% increase in PBIA dues would only constitute an additional payment of $100 per year on the part of the business owners. Discussion followed with Councilman Williams generating discussion about the possible use of the 28 foot strip for additional parking. Mr. Smith felt it would be worthwhile to further investigate this possibility, plus he suggested asking the businesses if added parking in this particular area is needed. Manager Quinn submitted that additional cost estimates could be done in this regard; however, he provided caution that the value of the dollar invested in this specific location must be a consideration. He noted that, perhaps, added parking may be needed on the west end. Manager Quinn reviewed various possibilities for additional revenues for the project, to include increased PBIA dues, a downtown LID, the generation of parking revenue, and the initiation of a parking tax. There are several revenue sources, and he projected a need of $100,000 per year for twenty years to fill the funding gap. Manager Quinn further suggested it would be likely the City could obtain a better interest rate by issuing a Councilmanic bond, with parking revenues backing the bond. He added that there are two major issues to be dealt with, such as the acquisition of property by Clallam Transit and the need to solidify financing with the private sector. He felt it would be in the City's best interest for the Council to adopt this parking solution. After further brief discussion, Councilman Braun moved to accept the Parking Ad Hoc Committee recommendation for the comprehensive parking solution, assuming that total funding can be secured. The motion was seconded by Councilman Williams. Brief discussion followed, with Councilman Williams sharing information relative to a discussion he held on the location for taxicabs and tour buses. He had indicated this portion would be addressed in the next phase involving the promenade. A vote was taken on the motion, which carried unanimously. Break Mayor Wiggins recessed the meeting for a break at 6:50 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 7:05 p.m. PUBLIC HEARINGS- Low Impact Development Standards: Community Development Director Collins OTHER: advised the City Council that two types of changes would be involved in the Low Impact Development Standards, one being changes to the Ordinance and the other Low Impact Development being to incorporate revisions into the Urban Services Standards & Guidelines that are Standards administered by Public Works & Utilities and the Fire Department. It was his recommendation that action on the standards be continued to the May 6th Council meeting, as there are some pertinent matters needing further attention. Director Collins noted the revised standards were considered as a result of requests from private land owners and developers and as a result of increased knowledge pertinent to best available science on stormwater management. He indicated that the watershed planning process expressed concern for water quality and storm drainage that affects water quality particularly in the urban streams in the City and the harbor. One of the goals of the Watershed Management Plan being brought forward is to address the reduction of stormwater impacts on the streams, with one of the key factors being to reduce the amount of impervious surface that creates the stormwater. Director Collins conveyed that concerns have been expressed about the cost of building -3- 4936 CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING April 29, 2003 PUBLIC HEARINGS - in the City, and the issue of making short subdivisions feasible has risen as a priority. OTHER: He felt that the revised standards could help in terms of controlling the costs of (Cont'd) development and in making the City a place where development can occur, particularly in outlying areas of the City where infrastructure may not be in place. Director Collins Low Impact Development addressed the matter of deferring the cost of extending water and sewer lines, and Standards (Cont'd) Public Works Director Cutler had asked that clarification be offered in that the waterline extension is not potable water but, rather, it is the amount of water necessary for fire flow. Director Collins indicated the City would still require City water be brought to a new subdivision, but not necessarily the fire flow quantities that are now required. As a result of the proposed changes, Director Collins expressed the opinion that a win- win situation is being created with lower costs, higher quality environment, and higher quality developments. He advised the Council that the Ordinance changes involve three areas, the first being to allow a septic system for lots that would be greater than one acre in size, subject to the approval of the Public Works Director. The second change is pertinent to local access streets, with a distinction between RS-9 and RMD Zones in the outlying areas of the City and the other zones in the City. Director Collins showed a map depicting those areas that could be impacted by this change. He then discussed changes that would affect arterial streets and fire suppression requirements for those areas outside the four-minute response time. Director Collins clarified that Section 2 of the Ordinance relates to subdivisions, and Section 3 is directed to new single family residences or duplexes. Director Collins had recommended that the matter be continued to the May 6th Council meeting, as some questions generated by the County must be addressed, plus there are more details to be worked out in conjunction with the administrative process. Councilmember Rogers inquired as to the questions raised by the County, and Director Collins responded that an issue pertaining to the cut slope in the street standards needs to be addressed, particularly as it relates to those areas in the UGA. Councilman Williams acknowledged this has been an ongoing issue in light of City standards being applied in the UGA. Discussion followed concerning the requirements for the ditch and the associated slope, and Councilman Campbell noted a difference in the regulations in the Seattle area. Deputy Director of Engineering Services Kenworthy explained that a 3 to 1 slope would allow a vehicle to recover, whereas a 2 to 1 slope would hardly give a car the chance to recover - it is a matter of safety. He noted that a 4 to 1 slope would be even better, but it would result in a loss of roadway in order to accommodate the slope. Manager Quinn understood that the Council could proceed to adoption of the Ordinance, as the Urban Services Standards and the questions from the County could be addressed at a later time. However, Director Collins indicated he had discussed with Attorney Knutson whether the City needed to complete a SEPA checklist, and a decision has not been reached in that regard. Councilmember Rogers was concerned that the matter of the SEPA checklist had not arisen during discussions at the meetings of the Community & Economic Development Committee. Mayor Wiggins opened the public hearing at 7:30 p.m. Clay Crow, 784 Madison Avenue, Bainbridge Island, was present this evening, along with Dennis Yakovich, to represent Green Crow Properties. He asked that consideration be given to a further reduction of access street widths to 20 feet, as he felt there would be sufficient space to accommodate traffic, there would be less impervious surface for stormwater runoff, and there would be lower infrastructure costs. In addition, he noted that, in conjunction with the reduced street width, there was no reduction in required cul de sac widths. Mr. Crow felt the required 100 foot diameter cul de sac was excessive, but he acknowledged he was uncertain as to how much room was needed by emergency equipment. At Councilman Braun's request, Fire Marshal CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING 4937 April 29, 2003 PUBLIC HEARINGS - Dubuc responded this issue has been discussed in the past. In subdivisions, there is a OTHER: provision in the current Code to reduce the diameter ofa cul de sac to 90 feet in those (Cont'd) instances when a building is fully sprinklered. In addition, the City is open to alternatives, such as hammer heads, which are dealt with on a case-by-case basis. In Low Impact Development many cases, the reduced cul de sacs are already being allowed. Standards (Cont'd) Mr. Crow referenced the sewer extension proposal, noting Green Crow's desire to create a subdivision along Campbell Avenue especially in light of the City goal to encourage responsible development. However, because of a requirement to have an engineering sewer capacity study conducted with probable sewer line repair in areas adjacent to Campbell Avenue, Mr. Crow felt Green Crow was being required to fix a City sewer problem. He felt Green Crow should be able to tap into the sewer and not be held responsible for fixing the problem. Dennis Yakovich, 250 Meadow Lark, Sequim, also representing Green Crow, submitted a letter to the Council outlining their comments being provided this evening. Mr. Yakovich addressed the matter of sprinkler systems being required in those areas outside the four-minute response time. It was Mr. Yakovich's interpretation that the sprinkler requirement would be reduced if there was a fire hydrant within 1000 feet of the home. However, Mr. Yakovich advised the Council that the sprinkler requirement drives the cost of a home upward, and many people are not willing or able to pay that added amount. With regard to engineering standards, Mr. Yakovich took exception to a requirement that a licensed engineer must be involved in the project, as he felt the City staffis more than qualified as relates to the inspections. Mr. Yakovich turned his attention to the matter of wetlands, and he urged the Council to consider establishing a minimum size for wetland regulations. He indicated that property values are often reduced greatly because of lost views created by wetland buffer areas that are relatively small. Mr. Yakovich felt that Green Crow is not in a position to keep going in development without these requested changes. He noted that Green Crow has worked with City staff on the issue of the ditches, and he felt that practicality must be applied. The City should avoid standards that create barriers, as one size doesn't necessarily fit all. Councilman Williams questioned the issue of the wetland, and Director Collins responded that the City relies on wetland delineations provided by the developer. He recalled that the minimum size in the City is 1000 square feet, which is considerably smaller than in the County, and there are ways to work with Green Crow in terms of opening up views by trimming vegetation. Mayor Wiggins closed the public hearing at 7:45 p.m. Discussion followed, and Councilman Braun spoke in support of continuing the matter to the May 6th Council meeting to address the input provided this evening, as well as the County concerns expressed. Mayor Wiggins noted, however, that the Ordinance could still be adopted, and the other matters addressed in the administrative process. Councilmember Rogers questioned why the Ordinance could not be adopted because of the SEPA issue. Director Collins responded it is clear that the Ordinance will not create any environmental impacts. Councilmember Rogers felt that staff and the Community & Economic Development Committee had worked very hard on these standards, and she was uncertain as to why action could not be taken at this time. Further discussion and debate followed concerning the timing of action to be taken. Councilman Williams introduced the possibility of allowing septic systems on parcels of one-half acre in size, not just those of one or more acres. Councilmember Rogers indicated this possibility had been considered by the Committee, and it was felt this was a policy decision to be made by the Council. Mayor Wiggins asked Director Collins to explain why half acre lots were not recommended. Director Collins explained that, if these septic systems are allowed, the sewer costs later in such areas would be much 4938 CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING April 29, 2003 PUBLIC HEARINGS - greater. Councilman Williams felt this specific issue was dealt with in the Ordinance OTHER: in the form of a no-protest LID agreement that would be required. Additional (Cont'd) discussion ensued on the matter of LIDs, affordability of the LID, and the possibility of banking the difference until the time a property is developed. Director Collins Low Impact Development shared with the Council the position of the Planning Commission on this proposal, Standards (Cont'd) noting that some Commissioners supported the notion of the one-half acre parcels being allowed to have septic systems. Councilman Braun moved to continue the public hearing to the May 6, 2003, City Council meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilman Headrick and carried unanimously. Manager Quinn indicated other individuals had submitted proposals regarding the standards presented, and he felt they were deserving of a response whether during consideration of this Ordinance or perhaps one in the future. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m. ~'~Gle~ Wiggins, Mayor Becl~y J. Upton~ity ~,~rk- - f" - -6-